Dissipative structures are dynamic structures which require energy to sustain their identity. They are open systems which interact with their environments. Dissipative structures are characterized by irreversibility and by probabilistic and non-linear change. Dissipative structures tend to arise in situations - chemical, biological or social - which are in a state for from equilibrium. At or near equilibrium (Le Chatelier’s Principle in chemistry), a disturbance will cause the system to shift slightly to maintain its equilibrium or a series of small fluctuations will average out around the equilibrium point Far from equilibrium, a very different situation occurs. A small fluctuation can be amplified throughout file system if it occurs near a threshold or bifurcation point When this occurs, the change is not determined but subject to probability. Some of the possible outcomes lead to a self-organizing process resulting in higher or different types of order, while others lead to disorder. The early work on dissipative structures came out of thermodynamics and chemistry where questions about entropy and its irreversible nature were contrasted with classical physics and chemistry with its reversible dynamics. Current researchers are also studying the phenomena of dissipative structures in living systems which are operating far from equilibrium. Their work has made it possible to describe the dynamics of familiar problem areas, such as traffic management, which are characterized by the impact of local events when the system's normal operating capacity is near threshold levels. # SOURCE Glansdorff, P . G., & Prigogine, I. (1971). Thermodynamic Theory of Structure, Stability and Fluctuations. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Nicolis, G., & Prigogine, L (1977). Self organization in Non-equilibrium Systems. New York: John Wiley & Sons. For a less technical treatment see: Prigogine, I., & Stengers, I. (1984). OrderOutof Chaos.New York: Bantam Books.. Jantch, E. (1980). The Self-organizing Universe. San Francisco:: W.H. Freeman and Company. # EXAMPLES • the emergence of a new type of ecosystem after a catastrophe has destroyed the previous equilibrium • the reorganization of a business after bankruptcy • the formation of a new government after a coup • a chemical dock • an ocean wave • gridlock affecting an entire city when one major traffic artery is incapacitated
# NON-EXAMPLES • gradual change in an existing ecosystem • the formation of a new government after a routine election • solar system whose predominant force is gravity. • a machine • a regular crystal
# PROBABLE ERROR •Misjudging how dose or far from equilibrium a system we are observing or disturbing has become • Expecting change to be linear # SEE Identity; Stability; Self-organization